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Stretch Out!

Rock 'n Roll March

Outer Space March

This march is slower. Listen to the mysterious outer space music. I'll play a "Martian" accompaniment. (Download duet)

Ear Tunes

Put your RH fingers over the C five-finger scale. Close your eyes. I'll play a short pattern (one octave lower). See if you can copy me.

Ear Tunes for the Left Hand

Repeat the Ear Tunes Game. (The Ear Tune Games could also be played in lessons following the presentation of this piece.)

partner pages

Theory

pp. 12-13 Stepping in C Position, Alphabet Soup

Step through the forest and track a bear. Then enjoy some hot alphabet soup to reinforce stepping up and down.

pedagogy pointers

Here's the first chance to use all five fingers, in each hand, playing on the white keys. The unstaffed notation is a clear picture of a rise and descent with repeated notes at the top and bottom.

The C five-finger scale is a new concept, and it's prepared well in advance of reading five-finger patterns on the staff. This is the natural order of learning—the experience comes before the definition.

accompaniments on disk

see it in action

Teaching Video 23

A scale, like a ladder, is meant for climbing, and the notes step up from C to G. Vivian's steps are steady and the dynamic changes are carefully noted. When the march starts rockin' 'n rollin', she enjoys the fun and the challenge of holding her own. The marching "Martians" make a wonderful contrast and accustom the young player to less predictable sounds. Why not visit outer space?